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Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Return of the Joy

I used to post a monthly joy list which I really enjoyed. I would think of things that I believed would give me joy throughout the month, list them and systematically either do them or move them to the next month. It was never intended to be a task list, just things I thought would bring me joy during the month. I have missed it and honestly I think having it made me focus on joy more often, so I am beginning it again this year. I might keep it up or I might not, but at least this month I am going to post it once again.

These are in no particular order and of no importance, they are just things to being joy to my everyday life.

1. Expand my horizons
a. Listen to at least one different genre of music every day (I listen to a lot of jazz)
b. Read at least one biography this month (I never chose those to read)
c. Try one new recipe per week.
d. Try a new beverage (adult or otherwise) each week.
e. Learn some obscure or arcane fact each week



2. Be present around friends and family more. Really listen to what they are saying.

3. Learn a new(to me) song on the piano.

4. Have guests for dinner at least once.

5. Contact some long neglected friend. (Ouch, it hurts to write that.)

6. Meet someone new.

7. Make something for Christmas next year. (Can be a gift or can be a craft)

8. Volunteer somewhere.

9. Do at least one thing for someone expecting nothing in return. (anonymous would be best)

10. Make an effort at a more spiritual beginning to my day.

11. Get rid of 31 items (one for each day of the month).

12. Anytime, when  possible, choose happiness.

13. Watch a documentary.

14. Go to a movie, with or without popcorn!

15. Take the time to watch both a sunset and a moon rise.




There may be more and I might add to the list as I think of more, but this is enough for right now. Hope you fill your month with some joy also.

25 comments:

  1. It's a great list! Love seeing the focus on joy.

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  2. Those all seem like activities worthy of joy, except for one. I would never try a new beverage each week. I have no one to finish it off and I hate waste...lol. I do want to try Cheer Wine, but it comes in six packs, so no go. I love biographies.

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    1. I got some licorice tea for Christmas so that is what I am starting with, and will just move forward as something interests me.

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    2. How was the licorice tea? Have you ever tried sassafras tea?

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    3. I did not have the tea yet. When I was a kid my dad used to make sassafras tea for us on Saturday mornings during the winter.

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  3. I'm so happy to see the return of your Joy lists! I took a break from doing them after my Fall Joy list. But seeing your list makes me want to start, again. :)

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    Replies
    1. I need it for me. Without some guide I tend to wander and let joy just happen. This way I tend to create it. I guess I am just pretty simple.

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  4. Great list. I need to do this. Hmmm..... eat chocolate, eat choc.....Joy!

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  5. Joy-what a great word. Your list is very inspiring.

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    1. Joy is such a simple state but it seems we (I) do everything in my power to mitigate it. I need to keep it focused in my little pea brain.

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  6. These are great! Joy is a perfect word for the new year!

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  7. I like the idea of a "Joy" list.

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    1. I think I neglect all the millions of little things that are joyful and sometimes get mired in details. This year my focus is joy.

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  8. I'm trying to make "reading" a bigger part of my day. I noticed that I wasn't reading as much as I was before retiring and that's just not right! It's one of my favourite things to do and yet it was being put aside. So...I'm on page 650 of a 700 page book and will likely finish it today. Did it bring me joy? YES!

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  9. I have listed "try one new recipe a week" for sometime now and haven't succeeded (well not last year) so that's back on the list. although tonight I did make a kind of cabbage salad which included vinegar pickled bamboo shoots for tomorrow's lunch. And also I have re-started on the "get rid of one thing a day" too - I put a pair of unworn boots out for the charity shop tonight. I really want to get moving on that. Oh, and since Jane mentioned books, I have almost finished "The Nest" which is a very pleasant and very easy read. Anna

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    1. I may or may not succeed at the recipe thing, but I am going to try because we need something different. I love to read but am stuck in the middle of an overwritten and now dull book and I won't start another until I finish this. I have heard The Nest is a good read.

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  10. So many things to do here! Your ambition impresses me. Anyways, if it will amp up the joy in your life, it's all good

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  11. Great list! We used to do the "new recipe" Sundays but it fell by the wayside. As soon as things calm down again, we're going to have to start it back up. LOVED it.

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    Replies
    1. I like making new things, and if we don't like them I never make it again.

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